Ready to give clarification: EAM Sushma Swaraj on fishermen’s arrest by Lankan and Pakistani cost guards

Safety and security of Indian fishermen has always been a serious concern for govt. of India but for last few months the situation has got worse. Arrests of fishermen and seizure of their boats by Sri Lankan and Pakistani cost guards have increased.

Addressing the issue, Govt. on Thursday said we are ready to make a statement in Rajya Sabha to address the members’ concerns over the arrests of fishermen.

Responding to a matter raised by Congress leader Ahmed Patel during the Zero Hour, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj said other members had earlier raised the issue and she had given a statement.

Read More: Pakistan captures more than 100 Indian fishermen off Gujarat coast

“The clarification on the issue is due. I had then said that I am ready to give the clarification and you decide the time. I am ready to clarify,” Swaraj said.

Patel said that Pakistan and Sri Lankan marine security agencies were arresting Indian fishermen and taking away their boats. More than 1,000 boats have been seized and over 300 fishermen are in their jails.

“The government should look into matter for early release of fishermen and their boats. Boats are necessary for fishermen’s survival. The government should give a package to help them take loans to buy boats,” he said.